South Florida Babies

So, our time has come to search for a nanny

Where do we begin?!  : (

Dh brought this up last night minutes before bedtime, and I told him I couldn't handle the conversation.  And just thinking about leaving the boys is heartbreaking, and I haven't even met them yet! 

So, obviously, I'm going back to work after maternity leave, and no career switch (not financially "smart").  If you have a nanny, where did you find her?  We have already begun asking family and friends for recommendations, but want to be able to interview a few before making decision.  How early is too soon to begin searching?  Realistically, we won't need her until mid-Jan. 

Also, we are still hoping and praying that MIL retires from here until then (something she's been contimplating prior to pg) so she can help nanny, or at least visit frequently, to ensure all is going well, especially the first month or so.  I don't expect for MIL to take care of both of them the whole day w/out help.  Oh, and we are planning on setting up security cameras outside (un-baby related), and decided to place a few inside permanently (which we will also disclose to nanny).  And, yes, I would prefer nanny to come to our house, unless it is the perfect person, then we would travel to them.

Anything else I need to consider?  Anyone have an "interview sheet" of questions to ask?  Advice?

Thanks,
Sad-mommy-to-be.

-- Jackie
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

Re: So, our time has come to search for a nanny

  • I have a friend who used to nanny for twins as a specialty...in California...and remember that she got started through some mommy of twins group and was passed around by word of mouth. Most of the mommies she worked for were SAHM or WAHM who needed the extra help.

    Wouldn't it be great if there was a nanny service around here that you could go through?

    <<<hugs>>> though...I understand how you are feeling. Many of us do. It will all work out.

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  • I know it will all work out.  How many families in the world have both parents working, and children are perfectly fine... hey, I'm a product of that combination!  And I am thankful that Dh works for the family business, so he's schedule is SUPER flexible, so in an emergency, the boys can go to work with him, or he can just easily stay home, or take time off to go to doctor, etc.  I'm just sad I can't be the one to be there 100% of the time seeing their "firsts."

    Anyway, yeah, I need to find a MOM clube down here.  I searched for one once, but didnt' seem like MIami had a club, which I find strange considering how large a city we live in!

    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
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  • I know its heartbreaking.. Especially when they are so young. I thank God for Mel's mom. I am so thankful for her when my kids were little. :)

    Google twin mom groups in your area, you might be surprised at what you find. 

    There are a ton of websites that offer nanny services but its so hard not knowing what your going to get..

    I had a friend who used the wellingtonagency for a night nurse.  I think they might be pricey but they serve miami as well.

    There is also care.com, nannypoppinz, etc...

    Good luck.. :)

  • https://www.meetup.com/miamimultiples/

    https://www.nomotc.org/

    I played on google a little bit. Although, after seeing Hot Tub Time Machine this weekend I want to call it Lougle. LOL. You may have already seen those links but just in case you hadn't, sharing is caring. :)

    Regardless of the fact that everything will be OK - you are still entitled to feel sad. While in hindsight I think the daycare environment has been great for Sophia, I still wish I had had the luxury of not working that first year...or of at least working part-time more for me, than for her. :) You have lots of support on this board! No one is going to brush off what you are feeling because we have all been there and totally understand. Dude, I have been there and am still dreading going back to work again in December. So....be sad away. We are here for you.

    <<<hugs>>>

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  • ::hugs:: It's soooo tough, but you WILL be okay! I had such a hard time with going back to work but now that I've been doing it for almost four months (wow, feels like sooo much longer) I realize that it's totally doable. And no, you don't spend your entire day crying and missing your baby (or babies!) which is what I totally thought my life would be like. I did cry a lot on my first day back, but that was it. Not a tear was shed on the 2nd day, or the 3rd, etc. I found that my work days went by quickly and before I knew it I was with her again and had a few hours to enjoy her at night before we all went to sleep. It's not ideal, but it's enough time with her for me to get my "fix" and not feel like I'm missing out. Again...you will be okay.

    Mel brings up a great point and it's something I remind myself all the time - my desire to be home with her is more for my own selfishness than for Emma. I know she is in wonderful hands and being cared for amazingly. I really believe that she will be better off under these circumstances thanks to me working than she would be if I had quit my job to stay home with her. She still adores DH and I and we are number one in her eyes, but she is perfectly content to have grandma time while we are off at work.

    Anyway, don't have any nanny suggestions, just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in your feelings and it's going to be hard - you're going to feel like you can't do it - but you will and you guys will be fine.

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  • I know it's really tough.  I have my mom to take care of the baby and I still don't look forward to going back to work - not next month and not after the baby is born =(

    A friend of mine recommended her nanny to me a while ago.  She assumed that I would need one. I can call her for her contact info again and pass it along to you. 

  • imageMellyMelB:

    https://www.meetup.com/miamimultiples/

    https://www.nomotc.org/

    I played on google a little bit. Although, after seeing Hot Tub Time Machine this weekend I want to call it Lougle. LOL. You may have already seen those links but just in case you hadn't, sharing is caring. :)

    <<<hugs>>>

    Mel - thanks for the search.  I have searched the NOMOTC before, and there is no specific MIA group, which I find strange since Miami is so large!  I emailed one of the group modorators today to ask for guidance.    I'll looking into the meetup later tonight.  : )

    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • We've all been there. I remember worrying & stressing about childcare too. It will all fall into place- I promise! It's so normal to feel sad. I STILL wish I could stay home all the time. I found Nadia's sitter through my sister (they worked together at a daycare years ago) but she & other liscensed care givers can be found on the fl dept of children & families website. You can put in your address, & it'll list everyone liscensed in your area.
  • Mari - thanks for the tip!
    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • ((HUGS))!!!! I know exactly how you are feeling!!!!! I was lucky enough to find our first nanny through word of mouth to family. Our 2nd nanny is my cleaning lady's daughter who was laid off last year. Both of them have always cared for Mikey in our home. I am so grateful for her  because I couldn;t even imaging my situation with Mikey's childcare if it wasn't for her. Like Jen said, the night before returning to work and the 1st day back were "crying fests" but after that you realize that the workday goes by quickly and you are back home before you realize it (the day goes by extra fast especially if you have to take pumping breaks :)

    Somehow, it will all fall into place, and I definitely don't think it is too early to start. I also observed each nanny with Mikey beforehand and how they would hold him, feed him and put him to sleep. I wish I could stay home with him all day or at least work part-time (because I actually work more the days I am home that when I am at work..you'll see :)

    I will keep you in mind in case I hear of anyone that could help you :) 

     

     

    ~~Givette~~ Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers
  • My ex-nanny was a family friend. We went to her she didn't come to us. I know how you feel though, it's not easy but just know that you are not the only one. In the end it's what's better for your family.

    Hugs

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  • imageMariM:

    i also wanted to point out that after i lost my job i started leaving mady at nadia's childcare provider and really liked her. she was licensed, recommended, and i researced her online before making my final decision. whenever i do go back to work i'm praying she has space for my kids again.

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  • imageCesEve99:

    imageMariM:

    i also wanted to point out that after i lost my job i started leaving mady at nadia's childcare provider and really liked her. she was licensed, recommended, and i researced her online before making my final decision. whenever i do go back to work i'm praying she has space for my kids again.

    Mind sharing general location, please?  If you want, PM me on FB.  Thanks.
    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • There are twins clubs that may have great resources!  We photograph a lot of the families from the Coral Springs one - www.csmoms.org

    When we had someone it sort of fell in our lap from a family whose children became school age and were helping find work for the nanny.  She has several girlfriends that do the same thing and a lot of them belong to online sites where they do background checks and have reviews (like nannypoppinz.com and sittercity.com).  The only downside to that is having to pay a finder's fee to the agency.  One thing you might consider is splurging to have the nanny come to you a month in advance, why you're still home, to be sure he or she is up to your standards and is good with the boys. 

    Good luck!

  • Oh!  And you might also contact some prestigious preschools in your area.  A lot of times parents outgrow their nannies or certified employees need additional employment.  We get our babysitters from preschools.  It makes me feel good to know they are educationally certified and equipped to handle multiple children.
  • imageMariM:

    Mari you are a life saver. Thanks for this link. This is exactly what I needed. Obviously cost is our biggest concern right now for 2 infants but hopefully we can get a break somewhere. If not I will have to be SAHM for at least the 1st - 2nd year.

  • Dawn - thanks for the info!  Very helpful
    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • Update - DH's cousin comes from a very affluent environment, where full-time nannies (weekday and weekend) for SAHMs are the norm!  So she has a ton of contacts, and is already helping me search!  She's so picky w/ her nannies that I know she won't recommend someone not trust-worthy.  I'm hoping we can find someone and check one item off the list. 
    -- Jackie
    "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • I haven't been on this site in forever-  but it seems I was drawn here for a reason.  I have 17 month old twins and am part of 2 multiples groups.

    -https://www.pomwbc.org/

    -https://www.csmoms.org/

     You are right there is not one in Miami- which seems very odd. I heard a rumor that someone was trying to start up a group down there. 

    There is always some one advertising for their nanny's among many other things- the groups are very helpful and try to help place their nanny's once the kids move on to school. 

     Also if you decide to consider daycare check out this website for licenses daycare providers.  Broward and Dade are very strict on licensed daycare providers. www.myflorida.com/childcare.

    Hope that helps,

    FF 

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